We are thrilled to announce the launch of our worldwide USC Alumni Networking Week – Trojan Connects, taking place February 3 – 6, 2025! This multi-day program is a direct result of our 2023 Alumni Survey, when alumni like you shared with us what you value most:
Networking with each other based upon professional interests
Connecting alumni with each other where they live
Mentoring and career support for alumni
We heard you, and have designed this alumni-led program to help Trojans around the world build their networks and learn from one another. Throughout the week, event organizers will be offering in-person and virtual events focused on professional development.
Keep up with the Trojan Family
Be sure to follow @USCAlumni on social media and join the conversation using #USCAlumni!
Learn how AI is helping school systems address the most pressing challenges in K-12 today—from teacher retention, to chronic absenteeism, to graduation and career readiness. Get inspired by fellow Trojan Educator experiences and successes, leaving you motivated to lead your schools into the future.
Admission | Free Registration is required. Guests will receive a Zoom link the morning of the event. Registration closes on 1/31/2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Career Success
Join us for Trojan Connects: Building Professional and Social Connections, a dynamic career event designed for USC alumni around the world to strengthen their networks and create lasting professional and social relationships. This virtual meet-up will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Marya Wright, followed by breakout networking sessions. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career or connect with fellow Trojans, this event is the perfect opportunity to tap into the power of the Trojan network.
Admission | Free Registration is required. A Zoom link will be provided to all registrants one day prior to the event. Registration closes on 2/2/2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Discovering and Applying Your Core Values for Career Success
Attendees will participate in a workshop where they will identify their top 5 Core Values and use them to discover their best career track
Following the hands-on workshop, guests will have an opportunity to network with other attendees in breakout rooms for further discussion on how values are applied in professional lives.
Admission | Free Registration is required. A Zoom link will be provided to all registrants one day prior to the event. Registration closes on 2/3/2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Alumna Yumi Wilson ’90 will show you how AI can be your secret weapon for LinkedIn success. Discover strategies to optimize your profile, amplify your professional narrative, and connect with industry leaders—all using free, powerful AI tools that give you an immediate edge. Walk away with practical techniques to boost your personal brand, attract the right connections, and open doors to exciting career opportunities.
Admission | Free RSVP is required. A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants one day prior to the session.
What is Sustainability? Join us to learn from corporate and non profit sustainability leaders how you can make a meaningful difference. Gain valuable knowledge, tools, and career resources to give insight into how you can support a sustainable future.
Admission | Free Registration required. A Zoom link will be provided to all registrants one day prior to the event. Registration closes on 2/2/2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Discover valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate your own path to success in the dynamic world of commercial real estate.
Admission | Free Registration is required. Guests will receive a Zoom link one day prior to the event. Registration closes on 2/4/2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
All degreed alumni who agree to uphold Trojan Family values and the university’s code of conduct are eligible to organize a Trojan Connect. Organizers must have either participated in one of the informational sessions or watched the recording as well. While one person will be the primary contact for the event, you are welcome to partner with a Board/Committee you’re a part of or join forces with other volunteers in your area.
What are the event requirements?
All events must take place between February 3-6, 2025. In-person event locations must hold at least 30 participants.
Can I submit a virtual event?
Yes! Trojan Connects can be held virtually. They must still take place between February 3-6, 2025. However, you have the freedom to set you day, time, and the platform that best works for you. If you need assistance creating a Zoom, a staff member will provide a link.
Where can events take place?
Trojan Connects that are in-person can be held in either domestic or international locations. Event organizers are encouraged to checkout local restaurants, explore potential spaces at your office, or look into coworking spaces. You may also be able to find Trojan owned businesses in your community to host the event at.
I want to organize a Trojan Connect but I am not sure how to start?
First, you’ll want to make sure to watch the informational session detailing the process from start to finish. After viewing, you’ll determine all of your event details including format, venue, model, etc. before submitted a proposal. Please click here for resources including the recording, info session slides, etc. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to watsonro@usc.edu.
How far in advance do I need to begin planning my event?
All event proposals are due on Friday, October 21, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. PDT. To ensure you have a well thought out proposal with all the necessary information, we advise starting the planning process as soon as possible especially if you need to get quotes from venues.
What are my key responsibilities as an event organizer?
Below is a checklist of tasks before, during, and after the event takes place.
Application Period:
Contact fellow Trojans to team up
Pick a date and time
Determine if your event will be virtual or in-person
Select your event model (i.e. networking activity, panel discussion, etc.)
Find a venue (if applicable) and get a quote and contract. If possible, also ask if they will place a hold for you on the space.
Find speaker and/or mentors (if applicable)
Fill out a budget form
Submit event proposal by October 21, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. PDT
Before the Event
Early November
Send staff headshots, bios, etc. for the organizer(s) and speaker(s) (if applicable)
Confirm speakers and send them a calendar invite (if applicable)
Work with staff to get venue contracts signed and deposits paid
Late November – Early January
Help promote your event via personal outreach
Forward official emails to your network
Post on social media
Late January
Confirm counts with venue
Hold an intro call with speakers to brief them on the event
Assign volunteer team to specific roles if needed (i.e. check-in, photos, speaker management, MC, etc.)
February
Send reminders to speakers and event registrants with event details (two-days prior to event)
During the Event
In-person Programs
Be present at the event
Arrive early to set up the site with décor and signage
Confirm event details with venue and complete any necessary A/V tests
Check-in guests/speakers
Capture photos/videos
*Be sure to get a group photo by the end!
Make closing announcements highlighting upcoming programs and share information that will be included in the follow up (i.e. survey and photos)
Close out with Venue
Virtual Programs:
Sign-on at least 20-minutes early to test technology and adjust platform settings as needed
Meet with other volunteers and/or speakers 15-minutes prior so they can test technology and go over the program timeline
Give 5-minute buffer after the start time to allow guests to sign-on.
Use visuals (i.e. slides)
Take a group photo using screenshot function (if using a Zoom meeting)
Change to gallery mode.
Make closing announcements highlighting upcoming programs and share information that will be included in the follow up (i.e. recording, resources, survey and photos)
After the Event
Within 24-hours
Follow up with staff to share the following:
Attendee List
Reimbursement requests (if applicable) with a photo of the receipt and a screenshot of the charge on your account
Photos from event (to be included in follow up email)
Recording from event (if applicable)
Resources (i.e. slides, worksheets, etc.)
Send thank you notes to fellow volunteers and speakers
Late February
Participate in debrief call to share you experience as an event organizer
How do I publicize my Trojan Connect to USC alumni in my area?
Trojan Connect event organizers will receive social media toolkits along with the official email invites promoting your event. You’re encouraged to forward those emails to your personal/local network via email, reach out via text, and post event graphics on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Organizers may also want to do the following:
Post on Facebook within your area’s designated USCAA regional group or class reunion group. For a directory, click here.
If part of a USC Board/Committee, share on their social media
Post event details in the designated FightOnline Community for your region.
